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Murdered Denver Broncos player Darrent Williams - Source: Getty -
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A member of a Denver-area Crips street gang was convicted on Friday in the 2007 drive-by killing of Denver Broncos football player Darrent Williams after an altercation at a nightclub.
Willie Clark, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Williams, who was a passenger in a limousine that was sprayed with gunfire in the early hours of January 1, 2007.
Clark was also convicted of assault and attempted murder for wounding two people in the shooting. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on April 30.
According to trial testimony, Clark and his gang colleagues exchanged words with a group of people who were with Williams, 24, including current Broncos player Brandon Marshall.
The argument continued outside the bar at closing time until security guards dispersed the two groups with pepper spray.
Marshall testified he argued with Clark at the club after Clark and another gang member thought they were disrespected by the group of professional athletes who were with Williams.
After Williams and his group drove away from the bar, a vehicle pulled alongside the limousine and shots were fired. Williams was hit in the neck and died instantly.
During 11 days of testimony, prosecutors presented a parade of convicts and gang members who testified Clark confessed to the killing.
Defence lawyers argued those witnesses were criminals who testified against Clark to get leniency in their own cases.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement it was "gratifying" to see closure in the case.
"This process has been extremely difficult for the Williams family, his friends and team-mates, this community, and the entire Denver Broncos organisation," Bowlen said.
